Baldy's Chicano Softail Deluxe

Baldy’s Chicano Deluxe.

Lolita brings a smile

‘Baldy’ tells us that there are people at his work that have known him for 21 years and still don’t know his real name. I wasn’t able to establish it either, but I did learn about Chicano style, high quality motorcycle engraving and just what a stunner his 2012 Softail Deluxe, ‘Lolita’ is.

We’d just done a Photo Shoot around Petrie Village, North of Brisbane in very hot and sunny conditions so we headed to the local watering hole for some rehydration and so I could get the story of this multiple Show-winning machine.

“Why Lolita?” I asked.

“It’s Spanish for good looking girl or Spanish mistress, and it went well with the Chicano-style bike. It was in 2011, was Black in colour and dead stock.” He began.

“About three years ago I added the Ride Right heavy spoked wheels, Sampson Fishtail pipes and took it to Stage 1 with a Power Commander, K&N Air Cleaner and a tune.”

“Then we did the paint, or Rather Nathan from ‘Livin’ Loco Garage’ on the Gold Coast did the paint. As you can see it’s a fantastic job, a very intricate job that’s been done to perfection. I can’t recommend him highly enough. The finish also features Custom Free Hand Pin Striping With Variegated Opal Gold Leaf inlay.

I also stretched the rear guard, while the front is standard.

The we added Shotgun Air Ride Suspension on rear and Dirty Bird Air Suspension to the front - although the front is out for maintenance at the moment,” he continued.

And That’s It.

“Then I saw some stuff that had been engraved and thought, ‘That’s It!’

Once I’d had a couple of little things done, well … I got them back and saw the quality of the work I knew I had to get more done. I use a company called ‘Precision Engraving’ in Texas and I couldn’t be happier with the service and quality of their work. Even the after-sales service is really good. The owner’s name is Ezekiel Garcia and you can find him and his business on Facebook.

Basically, I stripped the bike of all the parts, sent them to the States, they took about 4 months to complete the work and then a month to ship back. So, it took about 6 months in total.

They stripped the chrome, polished the steel, engraved it and then re-chromed it. American chrome is better than Aussie stuff for a number of reasons. You can see it in these parts.
So far, the outlay on the engraving has been around $10,000.

They describe the process as similar to tattooing the metal”.

The parts done include: Full Exhaust, Primary, Derby Cover, Timing Cover, Air Cleaner, Horn Cover, Fork Bells, Headlight Trim Rims, Dash Cluster, Gearbox Cover and the Rear Fender Struts.

The Engraved Hand Grips were custom made in Indonesia.

The rear swingarm was chopped and re-laid by Jake at King Brown Fabrication. The Saddle is a Custom Le Pera and it all fits perfectly with the look. So too does the Hog Lights Headlight array.

So, what’s next?

When I asked him what he had planned for the bike next he laughed, told me about his Sportster Lovin’ wife Katrina’s attitude, then mentioned confidentially that he’s, “Thinking about getting the oil tank done. I’ll buy another one and send it for engraving.

And I wouldn’t mind buying another set of tins, so I could stretch the front guard and fit a 23” front wheel - and be able to swap bodywork and make it look like a different bike.

The handlebars are Buffalo Beach bars but they were a bit too wide for me, so I heated them up, put them in a vice and bent them in to 890mm, so that’s why they are a really rounded shape - now they fit great. But, I am thinking about getting a new set in two inch diameter so I can hide the cables internally.

But, at the same time I’m a bit ‘over’ the bike being in bits. I just want to ride it.”

And ride it he does. A saw this immaculate show bike ride across more than one paddock during the photo shoot.

“So far the bike has won around 26 Trophies at 15 different shows – and it’s won in just about every category from Best Paint to Best in Show. Now I just want to ride it.” He reminded me – or himself.

And who wouldn’t want to ride it. It sounds great with the fishtails, has more bling than I can recall seeing on a motorcycle and still has an engine that performs like a normal and very rideable Harley.

It’s a great example of its kind and a real credit to the bloke we know as ‘Just Baldy’.

Finally, I asked him for his words about the style and vibe of the bike.

“Well, Cholo Low Rider Style it’s called and I really liked the look from the moment I saw my first one. So I decided to build one.” Then after a pause he added “It rides a little bit rough because of the suspension and slammed rear end, but you can put up with it for the looks you get” … and he smiles.

GUTS & BOLTS
General
Bike: 2011 Softail Deluxe
Builder: Baldy
Engine
Type: 98 Cube
Carburetion: Fuel Injected
Air Cleaner: K / N
Exhaust: Samson Fish Tails
Ignition: Power Commander And Tune
Transmission
Type: 6 Speed
Clutch: Stock
Primary Drive: Stock
Rear Drive: Belt
Frame
Type: Stock
Seat: Custom Le Pera
Wheels & Tyres
F Rim: 21” RIDE RIGHT
R Rim: 18” Ride Right
F Tyre: V Rubber
R Tyre: V Rubber
F Brake: Stock
R Brake: Stock
Suspension
Front: 2” Lowered Progressive
Rear: Shot Gunn Shock
Swing Arm: Custom Lay Frame By Jake - King Brown Fabrications
(Brisbane)
Controls
Bars: Modified Buffalo Beach Bars
Grips/Levers/Change: Custom Hand Engraved (Martil Metal Engraving - Malang/Indonesia)
Footpegs/Forward Controls: Arlen Ness
Risers: Harley Davidson
Master Cylinder: Chrome
Switch Blocks: Chrome
Headlight: Led - Hoglights Australia - Nathan
Taillight: Custom Led Bullet Style
Turn Signals: Custom Craft (Charles Tonna)
Guards & Tinwork
R Guard: Stretched Custom
F Guard: Stock
Trim: Con From Ckt Custom Trim (Melbourne)
Paint & Finish
Paint: Livin Loco Garage (Gold Coast)
Colour: Custom Purple Metal Flake & Black
Type: 2 Pac
Murals: Air Brushed Headlight (Clinton - Black Label Graphics - Sunshine Coast)
Other Finishes: Custom Free Hand Pin Striping With Variegated Opal Gold Leaf - Livin Loco (Gold Coast)
Engraving: Ezekiel Garcia - Precision Engraving (Texas - USA)
- Full Exhaust
- Primary
- Derby Cover
- Timing Cover
- Air Cleaner
- Horn Cover
- Fork Bells
- Headlight Trim Rims
- Dash Cluster
- Gearbox Cover
- Rear Fender Struts

Softail Deluxe Test

Way Finder.

It was somewhere down the back straight of the Norwell Motoplex during the ‘National Softail Tour’ event that I had a ‘Will Smith’ moment. You know, that scene in the original ‘Independence Day’ flick where he exclaims, “I have GOT to get me one of these!!!” The difference was that I was on board a beautiful 2019 Softail Deluxe, but the enthusiasm was similar.

Back on that ride day the only Deluxe in the Softail fleet had sat unridden for the first three shifts. I wasn;t the only one who had chosen a Fat Bob, FXDR and a Sport Glide before throwing a leg over the latest incarnation of the FLSTN - but when I did it really surprised me.

I know it shouldn’t have. It’s a new Softail, with all the inherent improvements that the Milwaukee 8 platform has wrought, but my head was still in ‘Twin Cam’ Deluxe space until I gave the new one a workout. How wrong I was. The two older models I previously tested for Heavy Duty were similarly great-looking machines and also a joy to be aboard, but it wasn’t till I got to compare them with the latest incarnation that I realised the new one’s pool of beauty runs much deeper.

The Showa Bendy valve front forks and the emulsion rear shock are a big part of the reasons why. As many Heavy Duty readers will be aware, the older Softail’s rear end achieved its rigid appearance by fitting the shock absorber parallel to the ground, under the bike, and it worked by expanding the spring and damping - rather that the traditional compression method. It meant lying on the ground to adjust the preload and had a tendency to wallow more the further back you went back in the model’s timeline.

The new chassis mounts the shock under the saddle and adjustment is very easy. Its road manners, handling, stability and general ‘chuckability’ now extend well beyond its lean angles. Tipping in to the Motoplex sweepers was an eye-opening delight. Any wallowing or handling vagary is a distant memory.

The other obvious improvement is the 107 cube Milwaukee 8 Engine. The previous incarnation’s 103B, twin-cam, counterbalanced power plant was smooth for a big block and had the kind of torque that made for effortless and relaxed boulevard cruising. The M8 takes it all to the next level. Vibration at operating speeds is almost non-existent and it’s a much more free-revving engine. The gearbox is still smooth and direct and whole package is simply sweeter to ride. It’s also 14kg lighter than the previous model in running order.

The other thing that started playing out in my helmet as I was tipping it in to the right hander at the end of the Motoplex back straight were the online comments and angst that were being directed at several of Harley’s latest offerings at the time.

Our images of FXDR had attracted quite a lot of negative feedback on our Facebook page and as for the LiveWire, well, you’d think that H-D had started burning effigies of Willy G in their R&D studios when we posted anything regarding the new electric bike, such was the blowback.

“Harley have lost their way” was a popular comment, along with several colourful epithets directed at the designers. But by the time I was hard on the gas, out of that right hander, full butt-off-the-saddle and loving the bike’s pure sweetness I actually said to myself “No they haven’t. If anything, they have found their way. This is delightful. And just look at it!”

As a result, I sent a series of emails to Harley’s PR folks. A few weeks later I was at Morgan & Wacker picking a brand new 2019 model with six kilometres on the clock. Black beauty - and what a beauty. On the way home I stopped at my Pal Doug’s place to show him the bike and to compare it side-by-side with his spotless ‘06 Deluxe.

We were standing on his driveway, scrutinising, when one of his neighbours was driving by. She stopped and said “I could see the chrome gleaming on that bike from half a mile away. What a beauty.”

That set the precedent for a myriad of people who complimented the appearance and style of the bike over the next three weeks. The only other test bike to garner such constant praise and positive comment to me was the 2017 Road King.

Putting the new model side by side with Doug’s ’06 was an interesting exercise. The most obvious difference between the two appearance-wise is the lighting. Harley have done a great job of incorporating modern (and quite brilliant) lights and indicators into the old-school Heritage lines of the bike. It all fits together beautifully. Otherwise the bikes are similarly pleasing on the eye.

The following weekend presented an opportunity for another interesting comparison as I headed out for a ride with Roberto on his 114 Cube Heritage Softail. His is essentially the same bike as the Heritage Classic tested in Heavy Duty #164.

The main differences between his and the Deluxe are that the Heritage comes with the bigger engine as standard, cruise control, driving lights, passenger accommodation, windscreen and luggage.

The Deluxe comes with acres of chrome, bling, bling and a lot more bling.

With these two side-be-side it seemed that any purchasing decision would come down to taste. the type of riding and what modifications a buyer would have in mind.

The Deluxe starts at $29,750 and the Heritage is listed at $33,995 in Aus and there are a few things I’d do to the Deluxe if it were mine.

I spoke to Lee Negus at Morgan & Wacker to get some ideas on pricing one up to my desired spec.

The first thing would be to add passenger accommodation. A Back seat, Rear pegs and kit Sissy bar (with pad) and tghat would run out to $1,315 fitted.

I’d also add cruise control, which is a standard upgrade on any M8 Softail for around $700. While that was being fitted, I’d upgrade the switch blocks and buttons to all-chrome, just to finish off the look from the cockpit - which would add a further $1,125 fitted.

I actually prefer the 107 Cube engine over the 114 in the pure cruiser models. It’s a sweeter engine for cruising. It vibrates less and is a bit more pleasant overall. The 114 is a better choice for hard out hammering.

If you do need a bit more grunt and noise from the 107, a Stage 1 upgrade including TTS Tuner, V&H Big Radius Pipes and Screamin’ Eagle Breather would cost around $2,600 fitted.

The Screen and Soft luggage options for occasional touring duty are pretty much endless. Either bike would give great service in a number of applications.

To that end I spent three weeks riding the Deluxe in all manner of conditions and found it will do great service a boulevard cruiser, rolls away the Freeways and open roads with sure-footed confidence and even proved very enjoyable and quite chuckable while giving it a handful in the tighter going.

It all drove home that the latest Softail Deluxe is at heart a quite versatile machine that is still one of the all-time great looking motorcycles. It still wins my vote as the best-looking cruiser ever. With the 2019’s engine, chassis, suspension and running gear upgrades it has gone truly next level. It’s a supremely enjoyable motorcycle to ride and to look at.

‘Lost their way?’ On the Deluxe evidence? I think not. Not by a Deluxe margin.


Engine

Engine: Milwaukee-Eight® 107
Bore X Stroke: 100 x 111.1mm
Displacement 1,745 cc
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
Exhaust 2-into-2 shorty dual; catalyst in muffler

Dimensions

Length 2,415 mm
Seat Height, Unladen 680 mm
Rake (steering head) (deg) 30
Trail 145 mm
Wheelbase 1,630 mm
Tyres, Front Specification MT90B16 72H
Tyres, Rear Specification MU85B16 77H
Fuel Capacity 18.9 l
Oil Capacity (w/filter) 4.7 l
Weight, As Shipped 303 kg
Weight, In Running Order 316 kg

Performance

Engine Torque Testing Method EC 134/2014
Engine Torque3 145 Nm
Engine Torque (rpm) 3,250
Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 28
Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 28


Chassis

Wheels, Front Type6 Chrome Steel Laced
Wheels, Rear Type Chrome Steel Laced
Brakes, Caliper Type 4-piston fixed front and 2-piston floating rear

Electric

Lights (as per country regulation), Indicator Lamps High beam, turn signals, neutral, low oil pressure, engine diagnostics, auxilary lighting, ABS, security, low battery voltage, low fuel
Gauges 5-inch analog speedometer with digital gear, odometer, fuel level, clock, trip, range and tachometer indication

Harley Softail Deluxe Test

Here are some extracts from the Heavy Duty test on a beautiful Softail Deluxe:

 Deluxe by Nature.

There aren’t many better-looking standard, off the showroom floor motorcycles than the 2015 Softail Deluxe. Its popularity explains why it has been a case of ‘refined’ rather than redeveloped since its initial release. You don’t airbrush a Mona Lisa.

The 2015 Press bike continues the trend. It’s finished in ‘Morocco Gold Pearl’ – or white - till you get it in the direct light and then it does indeed reflect a golden pearl aura. It’s quite beautiful and just one of the seven colour combinations available.

This unit is the second 2015 Softail I’ve been fortunate enough to spend a few weeks punting around Brisbane and northern NSW and both have been fitted with the new, larger diameter front disc brake and improved master cylinder. Those upgrades have turned bikes that previously had ‘pretty good’ brakes into ones that have REALLY good brakes.

They are now a genuine ‘one finger’ set (for mits like mine anyway) and the ABS is also noticeably smoother and less intrusive. Gone is the clunky on-off system that had me wondering WTF was going on when I first tried them out in an empty car park. Now it’s far less intrusive in an emergency ‘SMIDSY’ situation and will be much safer should the need arise.

The Go.

As has happened every year for the past fifteen that I’ve been testing new Harleys, they get that little bit better all-round with each new model year. A bit tighter, a bit smoother and a bit sweeter - as you would expect.

With yet another model year under its belt, the 103B, air-cooled, twin-cam engine also continues the trend. The solid mounted, counterbalanced power plant is smooth (for a big block) and has the kind of torque that makes for effortless and relaxed boulevard cruising. It’s a plush feeling engine, comfortable and perfectly tuned for easy enjoyment … Deluxe in fact.

Same for the six-speed gearbox. I remember back to the first Softails I rode and how clunky and agricultural they were by 2015 standards. Like they really were from another world. Remember when it was near impossible to select neutral when stationary? Ancient History. This one is sweet. You know when it’s hit the cog because the shifts are very sure and definite. I really liked the feel of it.

I also enjoyed the economy of the bike. I kept looking down at the fuel gauge and thinking ‘must be due for fuel soon’ - and was constantly surprised by the amount left in the 18.9ltr tank. Harley claims 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres combined city highway. I got close to that – even carrying my hefty payload and I was pretty heavy handed with the wrist work too. That counterbalance donk doesn’t mind a rev.

I actually found myself needing to back off the throttle quite often too. A glance down at the tank mounted speedo lead to more than one “Oh! Shit! 20kph over”. It’s no superbike, but it’s such an effortless engine and package that the speed can get away from you, particularly whilst you are still a bit green on the machine.

 The other pleasing aspect of the bike, economy-wise, is the servicing costs. As I was returning the bike I sought out Josh - the Service Manager at Morgan and Wacker and quizzed him about maintaining the 103B in optimum condition.

‘At M&W we include the labour on the first service so it’s only around $100’ he began. ‘And a typical 8,000km service – including the recommended annual flushing brake fluids should give you change from $550’.

Compared to some of the shim-adjustable-valve bikes I’ve owned that seems like a bargain.

Meanwhile on the road …

The bike’s road manners are refined. Up front, the 16" wheel is spoked and fitted with a wide profile Dunlop white-wall tyre that compliments the white pearl finish impeccably.  

Like all the Softail range, corning clearance before the folding footboards hit the deck is not their strong point, but cruising is  … well … Deluxe.

The 41.3mm forks are shrouded in classic Beer Can covers and offer 130mm of travel. With 32 degrees of rake it feels solid and planted on the road. It’s a firm ride over bad surfaces yet the steering is light - and it won't change directions unless you tell it to – particularly at freeway speeds.

At the back, the familiar Softail rear end features hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over suspension offering 91mm of travel.  The rear white-wall is also a 16".

It is what it is.

It's not the bike for carving up your favourite twisty bits - this is a glorious cruising machine for feeling like you are the King of the promenade and making for a pleasurable day ride.

The ‘retro tech’ is well integrated, the modern touches like the self-cancelling indicators and array of data available from the on board trip computer all add to the appeal.

It’s a feel-good machine, one that works right off the showroom floor, or can make a great starting point for the endless choices of OEM and aftermarket accessories and add-ons. The first for me would be to address the passenger seating and comfort – but there are literally dozens of options for that.

Then some Free flowing pipes and a heavy breather and it would be job done for me and the Co-pilot – or if you like, add some saddle bags and screen and it becomes an instant Heritage Classic.

Taller riders would also benefit from wider handlebars and taller risers. Shorter inseams will appreciate the narrow ‘collapsible’ saddle skirts and the 670mm saddle height combined with the standard pull-back bars.

From its integrated luggage rack and tombstone brake light to the beautiful chrome front wheel hub it’s a machine that is a joy - both to look at and to ride.

Deluxe by name and by nature.

GUTS & BOLTS

GENERAL

Bike: 2015 Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe                                  

ENGINE         

Type: Engine Air-cooled, Twin Cam 103B™          

Carburetion: Fuel System Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)   

Air Cleaner: H-D       

Exhaust: Exhaust Chrome, straight over/under shotgun exhaust with

dual tapered mufflers

                       

TRANSMISSION

Type: 6 Speed                      

Clutch:                       

Primary Drive: Chain                       

Rear Drive: Belt                    

FRAME

Type: Tubular steel             

Seat: H-D                   

WHEELS & TYRES

F Rim: 16” Chrome, Aluminium Profile Laced                  

R Rim: 16” Chrome, Aluminium Profile Laced      

F Tyre: MT90B16 72H                    

R Tyre: MU85B16 77H                              

SUSPENSION

Front: 41.3 mm telescopic, “beer can” covers                   

Rear: Hidden, horizontal-mounted, coil-over                    

DIMENSIONS

Length 2,400 mm

Seat Height, Unladen 670 mm

Ground Clearance 113 mm

Rake (steering head) (deg) 32.1   

Trail 147 mm

Wheelbase 1,635 mm

Tyres, Front Specification MT90B16 72H

Tyres, Rear Specification MU85B16 77H

Fuel Capacity 18.9 l

Oil Capacity (w/filter) 3.3 l

Weight, As Shipped 313 kg

Weight, In Running Order 330 kg

ENGINE

Bore 98.4 mm

Stroke 111.1 mm

Displacement 1,690 cc

Compression Ratio 9.6:1

DRIVETRAIN

Primary Drive Chain, 34/46 ratio

PERFORMANCE

Engine Torque Testing Method EEC/95/1

Engine Torque 134 Nm

Engine Torque (rpm) 3,250

Lean Angle, Right (deg.) 25.8

Lean Angle, Left (deg.) 26.7

Fuel Economy: Combined City/Hwy 5.6 l/100 km

Softail Deluxe Photo Set

Images from the Heavy Duty Magazine test.

Harley-Davidson Softail Deluxe

Stunning looking machine or what!

I've been enjoying the cruise immensely. Probably the most 'beautiful' bike I've tested. It has amazing paint - genuine H-D, Color Shop® Limited Series.

The style is called “Epidemic”.

 Limited paint is usually only supplied to 200-300 kits worldwide - and are individually numbered. This unit is #4 0f 200.

At each H-D dealer show, new kits are released. The RRP for the kit is a shade under $AU3,500 (NZD$4,600). The RRP’s are pretty much around the ballpark with all model families.

 The bike is an excellent cruiser. It's not fast, but the 103 cube engine is very strong and un-fussed. Not as vibration free as the Touring Chassis units, but still very pleasant to sit back and watch the world roll by, reflected in perfect chrome and vivid paint.

Saturday Morning Ride

Out for a burn with Mark on some stunning Harley Test Bikes: